Median rent is 11% lower in San Antonio ($1,258/mo vs $1,412/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Antonio, where the median home runs $219,700 versus $355,300. Households earn more in Durham ($79,234 vs $62,917 a year). Taken together, San Antonio is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 95.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Durham, NC.
City A
Durham, NC
City B
San Antonio, TX
How much would you need to earn in San Antonio, TX to maintain your standard of living from Durham, NC?
Equivalent salary in San Antonio, TX
$74,939
You could earn $61 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Durham
North Carolina
San Antonio
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in San Antonio at $1,258/mo compared to $1,412/mo in Durham (11% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Durham: the median home is $355,300 versus $219,700 in San Antonio — 38% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while North Carolina tops out at 4.50% — giving San Antonio a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 6.25% in Texas; Durham has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Durham
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
San Antonio
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
San Antonio has cleaner air on average: 32.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Durham if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,234/yr).
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,258/mo median).
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 32.0).
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Durham cheaper than San Antonio?
San Antonio is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 95.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in San Antonio.
How much is rent in Durham vs San Antonio?
Median rent is $1,412/mo in Durham, NC and $1,258/mo in San Antonio, TX. San Antonio, TX has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Durham or San Antonio?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham, NC and $62,917 in San Antonio, TX. Durham, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
San Antonio, TX has better air quality on average: 32.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Durham or San Antonio?
Texas has no state income tax. North Carolina has a top rate of 4.50%.
What salary do I need in San Antonio to match my Durham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Durham, NC is equivalent to roughly $99,919 in San Antonio, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology